Member State of the Arab League |
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Constitution |
Kuwaitportal |
Since its independence in 1961, Kuwait has maintained strong international relations with most countries, especially nations within the Arab world. Its vast oil reserves give it a prominent voice at the global economic forums and organizations like the OPEC. Kuwait is also a major ally of ASEAN, a regional ally of China, and a major non-NATO ally. [1] [2] [3]
Regionally, Kuwait has a unique foreign policy that is characterized by neutrality. Kuwait's relationship with neighboring Iraq formed the core of its foreign policy from late 1980s onwards. Its first major foreign policy problem arose when Iraq claimed Kuwaiti territory. Iraq threatened invasion, but was dissuaded by the United Kingdom's ready response to the Amir's request for assistance. Kuwait presented its case before the United Nations and successfully preserved its sovereignty. UK forces were later withdrawn and replaced by troops from Arab League nations, which were withdrawn in 1963 at Kuwait's request.
On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait. A multinational coalition was assembled and under UN auspices, initiated military action against Iraq to liberate Kuwait. Arab states, especially the other five members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates), Egypt, and Syria, supported Kuwait by sending troops to fight with the coalition. Many European and East Asian states sent troops, equipment, and/or financial support.
After its liberation, Kuwait largely directed its diplomatic and cooperative efforts toward states that had participated in the multinational coalition. Notably, many of these states were given key roles in the reconstruction of Kuwait. Conversely, Kuwait's relations with nations that had supported Iraq, among them Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Greece and Cuba, have proved to be strained.
Since the conclusion of the Gulf War, Kuwait has made efforts to secure allies throughout the world, particularly United Nations Security Council members. In addition to the United States, defense arrangements have been concluded with Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. Close ties to other key Arab members of the Gulf War coalition — Egypt and Syria — also have been sustained.
Kuwait's foreign policy has been dominated for some time by its economic dependence on oil and natural gas. As a developing nation, its various economies are insufficient to independently support it. As a result, Kuwait has directed considerable attention toward oil or natural gas related issues. With the outbreak of the War on Iraq, Kuwait has taken a pro-U.S. stance, having been the nation from which the war was actually launched. It supported the Coalition Provisional Authority, with particular stress upon strict border controls and adequate U.S. troop presence. Kuwait also has good relations with Iran.
Kuwait is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank (IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); African Development Bank (AFDB), Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), Arab League, Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Group of 77 (G-77), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), INMARSAT, International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation, International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Marine Organization, Interpol, IOC, Islamic Development Bank (IDB), League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (LORCS), Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1992), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah Island islands; ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands disputed by Saudi Arabia. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf.
List of countries which Kuwait maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Chile | 13 September 1961 [4] |
2 | United States | 22 September 1961 [5] |
3 | Lebanon | 27 September 1961 [6] |
4 | Saudi Arabia | 5 October 1961 [7] |
5 | United Kingdom | 8 November 1961 [8] |
6 | Egypt | 2 December 1961 [9] |
7 | Jordan | 2 December 1961 [9] |
8 | Japan | 8 December 1961 [10] |
9 | Iran | 17 December 1961 [11] |
10 | Libya | 24 December 1961 [12] |
11 | India | 26 March 1962 [13] |
12 | Tunisia | 24 June 1962 [14] |
13 | Sudan | 6 January 1963 [15] |
14 | Russia | 11 March 1963 [16] |
15 | Serbia | 7 May 1963 [17] |
16 | Poland | 17 May 1963 [18] |
17 | Czech Republic | 27 May 1963 [19] |
18 | Romania | 10 June 1963 [20] |
19 | Thailand | 14 June 1963 [21] |
20 | Bulgaria | 15 June 1963 [22] |
21 | Mali | 3 July 1963 [23] |
22 | Pakistan | 21 July 1963 [24] |
23 | Morocco | 23 October 1963 [25] |
24 | Syria | 24 October 1963 [26] |
25 | Iraq | 10 January 1964 [27] |
26 | Turkey | 10 January 1964 [28] |
27 | Afghanistan | 4 March 1964 [29] |
28 | Guinea | 12 March 1964 [30] |
29 | Belgium | 8 April 1964 [31] |
30 | Spain | 17 April 1964 [32] |
31 | Denmark | 25 April 1964 [33] |
32 | Hungary | 7 May 1964 [34] |
33 | France | 17 May 1964 [35] |
34 | Germany | 20 May 1964 [36] |
35 | Somalia | 29 July 1964 [37] |
36 | Italy | 8 November 1964 [38] |
37 | Algeria | 23 November 1964 [39] |
38 | Sweden | 22 December 1964 [40] |
39 | Colombia | 26 December 1964 [41] |
40 | Netherlands | 1964 [42] |
41 | Greece | 3 January 1965 [43] |
42 | Malaysia | 28 March 1965 [44] |
43 | Canada | 27 April 1965 [45] |
44 | Austria | 6 June 1965 [46] |
45 | Norway | 30 June 1965 [47] |
46 | Venezuela | 13 September 1965 [48] |
47 | Switzerland | 21 September 1966 [49] |
48 | Ethiopia | 9 October 1966 [50] |
49 | Niger | 22 November 1966 [51] |
50 | Brazil | 20 January 1968 [52] |
51 | Indonesia | 28 February 1968 [53] |
52 | Kenya | 23 April 1968 [54] |
53 | Albania | 8 August 1968 [55] |
54 | Argentina | 13 September 1968 [56] |
— | Holy See | 21 October 1968 [57] |
55 | Finland | 21 February 1969 [58] |
56 | Senegal | 16 August 1969 [59] |
57 | Nigeria | 31 January 1970 [60] |
58 | Mauritania | 17 March 1970 [61] |
59 | Yemen | 19 March 1970 [62] |
60 | Chad | 31 March 1970 [63] |
61 | Sri Lanka | 19 February 1971 [64] |
62 | China | 22 March 1971 [65] |
63 | Bahrain | 19 August 1971 [66] |
64 | Qatar | 15 December 1971 [67] |
65 | Liberia | 1971 [68] |
66 | Oman | 1 January 1972 [69] |
67 | Nepal | 25 February 1972 [70] |
68 | United Arab Emirates | 8 March 1972 [71] |
69 | Uganda | 28 June 1972 [72] |
70 | Malta | 3 October 1972 [73] |
71 | Tanzania | 19 January 1973 [74] |
72 | Lesotho | 30 April 1973 [75] |
73 | Trinidad and Tobago | 3 September 1973 [76] |
74 | Madagascar | 6 December 1973 [77] |
75 | Bangladesh | 9 March 1974 [78] |
76 | Cuba | 29 April 1974 [79] |
77 | Australia | 1 July 1974 [80] |
78 | Gambia | 29 August 1974 [81] |
79 | Ireland | 5 October 1974 [82] |
80 | Guinea-Bissau | 6 November 1974 [83] |
81 | Jamaica | 14 November 1974 [84] |
82 | Ghana | 1974 [85] |
83 | Cameroon | 22 February 1975 [86] |
84 | Portugal | 1 April 1975 [87] |
85 | Mongolia | 17 June 1975 [88] |
86 | Mexico | 23 July 1975 [89] |
87 | Ecuador | 30 July 1975 [90] |
88 | Burkina Faso | 17 August 1975 [91] |
89 | Gabon | 27 October 1975 [92] |
90 | Peru | 1 December 1975 [93] |
91 | Zambia | 12 November 1975 [94] |
92 | Papua New Guinea | 1975 [95] |
93 | Vietnam | 10 January 1976 [96] |
94 | Mauritius | 11 January 1976 [97] |
95 | Panama | 23 March 1976 [98] |
96 | Comoros | 3 May 1976 [99] |
97 | Dominican Republic | 18 October 1977 [100] |
98 | Maldives | 1 December 1977 [101] |
99 | Philippines | 18 January 1979 [100] |
100 | South Korea | 11 June 1979 [102] |
101 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 9 January 1980 [100] |
102 | Luxembourg | 8 March 1980 [103] |
103 | Sierra Leone | 1980 [104] |
104 | Burundi | 16 January 1981 [105] |
105 | Djibouti | 31 October 1982 [106] |
106 | Bhutan | 23 May 1983 [107] |
107 | Singapore | 30 June 1985 [108] |
108 | New Zealand | 1985 [109] |
109 | Bolivia | 28 July 1986 [100] |
110 | Cape Verde | 30 March 1987 [110] |
111 | Benin | 24 December 1987 [111] |
112 | Seychelles | 11 July 1988 [112] |
113 | Equatorial Guinea | 1988 [113] |
— | State of Palestine | 3 January 1989 [114] |
114 | Brunei | 1 May 1990 [115] |
115 | Namibia | 27 March 1990 [116] |
116 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 27 November 1990 [100] |
117 | Nicaragua | 27 June 1991 [100] |
118 | Zimbabwe | 1991 [117] |
119 | Belarus | 25 May 1992 [118] |
120 | Honduras | 7 June 1992 [119] |
121 | Ivory Coast | 23 July 1992 [120] |
122 | Georgia | 3 September 1992 [121] |
123 | Slovakia | 1 January 1993 [122] |
124 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 4 January 1993 [123] |
125 | Kazakhstan | 11 January 1993 [124] |
126 | Moldova | 11 January 1993 [125] |
127 | Paraguay | 23 February 1993 [100] |
128 | Ukraine | 18 April 1993 [126] |
129 | Eritrea | 20 October 1993 [127] |
130 | Bahamas | 9 March 1994 [100] |
131 | Lithuania | 5 April 1994 [128] |
132 | South Africa | 20 May 1994 [129] |
133 | Armenia | 8 July 1994 [130] |
134 | Uzbekistan | 8 July 1994 [131] |
135 | Latvia | 15 July 1994 [132] |
136 | Cambodia | 16 July 1994 [133] |
137 | Slovenia | 5 October 1994 [134] |
138 | Croatia | 8 October 1994 [135] |
139 | Azerbaijan | 10 October 1994 [136] |
140 | Estonia | 28 October 1994 [137] |
141 | Kyrgyzstan | 17 December 1994 [138] |
142 | Turkmenistan | 13 January 1995 [139] |
143 | Tajikistan | 31 March 1995 [140] |
144 | Malawi | 19 June 1995 [141] |
145 | Guyana | 17 August 1995 [100] |
146 | Barbados | 22 August 1995 [142] |
147 | Marshall Islands | 27 September 1995 [143] |
148 | Solomon Islands | 18 October 1995 [100] |
149 | Guatemala | 12 December 1995 [144] |
150 | Iceland | 26 April 1996 [145] |
151 | Mozambique | 20 May 1996 [146] |
152 | Eswatini | 22 May 1996 [147] |
153 | Botswana | 10 June 1996 [148] |
154 | North Macedonia | 16 June 1997 [149] |
155 | Angola | 20 November 1997 [100] |
156 | Antigua and Barbuda | 9 July 1998 [150] |
157 | Myanmar | 16 December 1998 [100] |
158 | El Salvador | 9 December 1999 [100] |
159 | Republic of the Congo | 31 October 2000 [151] |
160 | North Korea | 4 April 2001 [152] |
161 | East Timor | 16 December 2003 [153] |
162 | Cyprus | 3 May 2005 [100] |
163 | Fiji | 28 September 2005 [100] |
164 | Belize | 8 May 2006 [100] |
165 | Costa Rica | 22 September 2006 [154] |
166 | Central African Republic | 9 April 2007 [155] |
167 | Andorra | 17 March 2008 [100] |
168 | Liechtenstein | 16 June 2008 [156] |
169 | Laos | 14 July 2008 [157] |
170 | Montenegro | 27 July 2010 [100] |
171 | Togo | 6 October 2010 [158] |
172 | Saint Lucia | 31 January 2011 [100] |
173 | Haiti | 5 September 2012 [100] |
174 | Vanuatu | 9 November 2012 [159] |
175 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 16 November 2012 [160] |
176 | Tuvalu | 29 November 2012 [100] |
177 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 8 January 2013 [100] |
— | Kosovo | 16 January 2013 [161] |
178 | South Sudan | 12 February 2013 [162] |
179 | Nauru | 9 April 2013 [100] |
180 | Grenada | 17 May 2013 [100] |
181 | Rwanda | 19 September 2013 [163] |
182 | Kiribati | 4 March 2014 [100] |
183 | San Marino | 17 December 2014 [164] |
184 | Palau | 26 May 2015 [100] |
185 | Federated States of Micronesia | 1 September 2016 [100] |
186 | Monaco | 19 July 2018 [165] |
187 | Tonga | 2 September 2021 [100] |
188 | Dominica | 10 September 2021 [100] |
— | Cook Islands | 8 December 2021 [166] |
189 | Suriname | 1 February 2024 [167] |
190 | Uruguay | Unknown |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Kenya | 23 April 1968 | See Kenya–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 1968 when has been accredited first Ambassador of Kuwait to Kenya with residence in Nairobi Mr. Mohammad A. Al-Mishari. [54]
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Country | Formal Relations started | Notes |
---|---|---|
Canada | 27 April 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1965. [168] In 1965, official relations between Kuwait and Canada were launched when the US ambassador to Kuwait began to act as a non-resident ambassador to Canada. [169] In 1978, Canada opened its embassy in Kuwait City. [169] Kuwait opened its embassy in Ottawa in 1993. [169] |
Mexico | 23 July 1975 | See Kuwait–Mexico relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1975 [170]
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Peru | 1 December 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1975 [93]
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United States | 22 September 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1961 [173] See Kuwait–United States relations The United States opened a consulate in Kuwait in October 1951, which was elevated to embassy status at the time of Kuwait's independence 10 years later. |
Kuwait, is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, which includes, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. These countries, have solid, and unbreakable bilateral relations. Citizens of these countries, may enter other GCC, country with their national ID. GCC citizens are allowed to reside at any other GCC, nation an unlimited period of time. They also follow the same economic plan, and give each other military, and Intelligence support. They also have similar, educational, social, plans. The GCC countries, discuss their foreign policies, as they try to maintain similar foreign policies. These six monarchies are also known as the oil-rich countries of the Middle East.
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Armenia | 8 July 1994 |
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Bahrain | 2 September 1971 | See Bahrain–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1971 [174]
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China | 22 March 1971 | China and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1971. [175] In 2007, Kuwait exported $2.3 billion worth of goods to China ($2.1 billion of which was oil) and Kuwait imported $1.3 billion of goods from China. In 2007, Kuwait supplied China with 95,000 barrels (15,100 m3) of oil per day, accounting for 2.6% of China's total crude oil imports. Saudi Arabia was China's top supplier with its shipments jumping 69.8 percent to 3.84 million tons (939,000 bbl/d), followed by Angola with 2.06 million tons (503,000 bbl/d), down 27.1 percent. Iran became third, with imports from the country shrinking 35.3 percent to 1.18 million tons (289,000 bbl/d). China is the world's second-biggest oil consumer after the US. Abdullatif Al-Houti, managing director of International Marketing at state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), told KUNA in October that Kuwait is on course for its China-bound crude oil export target of 500,000 bbl/d (79,000 m3/d) by 2015, but success will heavily depend on the Sino-Kuwaiti refinery project. The two countries have been in talks for the planned 300,000 bbl/d (48,000 m3/d) refinery in China's southern Guangdong Province. The complex is expected to be on-stream by 2020. [176] [177] [178] In July 2018, the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence signed an agreement with the Government of Kuwait to increase cooperation in the defense industry. [179] China also agreed to increase investment in the Kuwaiti energy sector. [179] In July 2019, UN ambassadors of 37 countries, including Kuwait, have signed a joint letter to the UNHRC defending China's treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. [180] In June 2020, Kuwait was one of 53 countries backed the Hong Kong national security law at the United Nations. [181] |
Georgia | 3 September 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 1992.
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India | 26 March 1962 | See India–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1962 when India and Kuwait have decided to raise their diplomatic missions to Embassy level. [13] India and Kuwait enjoy traditionally friendly relations. These are based in history and have stood the test of time. Geographic proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and presence of a large number of Indian expatriates continue to sustain and nurture this long standing relationship. India has been a natural trading partner and a destination for higher learning. Until 1961, the Indian Rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. High level visits from India to Kuwait have included those by Vice President of India Dr. Zakir Husain in 1965, by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981 and by Vice President of India Shri M Hamid Ansari in 2009. High level visits from Kuwait to India have included those by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in November 1964, the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1980 and again in 1983 (for the NAM Summit), and the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 2006. According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, there are approximately 600,000 Indians, who constitute the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The Indian community is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriates in Kuwait. Kuwait views India as a fast-growing economy and a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel. A large proportion of the Indian expatriates are unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Professionals like engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management consultants, architects; skilled workers like technicians and nurses; semi-skilled workers; retail traders and businessmen are also present in the Indian community. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of highly qualified Indian experts in hi-tech areas, especially in the software and financial sector in Kuwait. In the field of health, India not only supplies top specialists but also para-medical staff who enjoy high reputation. The total remittance from Kuwait to India is estimated to be upwards of US$3 billion annually. Approximately 300 associations exist within the Indian community in Kuwait, representing a variety of regional, professional and cultural interests. Of these, 128 Associations are presently registered with the embassy. Cultural events are organised regularly by these associations through the year, to which leading Indian artistes are often invited. There are 18 Indian Schools in Kuwait affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. |
Iran | 17 December 1961 | See Iran–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 December 1961. [11] Iran and Kuwait signed a demarcation agreement in 1965. [182] On 13 July 2008, Kuwait's Speaker of the Parliament Jassem Al-Kharafi publicly accused the West of provoking Iran on the nuclear issue. In his interview with state-owned Kuwait TV, Al-Kharafi said, "What is happening is that there are provocative Western statements, and Iran responds in the same way... I believe that a matter this sensitive needs dialogue not escalation, and it shouldn't be dealt with as if Iran were one of America's states." [183] |
Iraq | 10 January 1964 | See Iraq–Kuwait relations, Kurdistan Region–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1964. [27] Diplomatic relations severed on 2 August 1990 when then Iraqi president Saddam Hussein sent his forces to occupy the small Gulf emirate and restore diplomatic relations on 2 August 2004. [184] On March 2, 2021, Iraqi official said that Iraq has so far paid $49.5 billion in war reparations to Kuwait. Mazhar Salih, an adviser to the Prime Minister, told Al-Sabaah newspaper that Iraq's dues now amount to only $2.5 billion. [185] |
Israel | See Israel–Kuwait relations Kuwait has no diplomatic ties with Israel, and boycotts Israeli products. [186] In January 2014, Kuwait boycotted a renewable energy conference attended by Israel in Abu Dhabi, because Kuwait opposes normalization of ties with Israel. [187] In December 2008, Kuwaiti lawmakers protested in front of the Kuwait National Assembly Building against Israel during the Gaza War. The Kuwaiti lawmakers burned Israeli flags, waved banners reading, "No to hunger, no to submission" and chanted "Allahu Akbar". Israel launched air strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on December 26 after Hamas launched rockets into the Israeli town of Sderot following the expiration of a six-month ceasefire on December 18. On January 3, 2009, MPs protested in front of the National Assembly again. [188] After Friday prayers on January 8, 2009, Jamaan Al-Harbash and several other MPs urged Arab leaders to take a stronger stand against the Israeli attacks and open Rafah Crossing to end an embargo imposed by Israel on the residents of Gaza. [189] In November 2012, Kuwait and the World Bank concluded an agreement according to which Kuwait contributed a US$50 million grant to the World Bank's Palestinian Reform and Development Program (PRDP). [190] | |
Japan | 8 December 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 December 1961. [191] The two nations have agreed to work together on the security of the oil trade route that connects them. [192] |
Lebanon | 27 September 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 1961 [193]
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Malaysia | 28 March 1965 | See Kuwait–Malaysia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 1965 [194]
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Northern Cyprus | Northern Cyprus has a Representative Office in Kuwait City. [196] | |
Pakistan | 21 July 1963 | See Kuwait–Pakistan relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1963 when Kuwait opens embassy in Islamabad. [197] The relationship between Kuwait and Pakistan are exemplary, brotherly, historical and deep based on shared history, traditions and common culture. [198] Kuwait and Pakistan have always enjoyed deep economic and cultural ties. [199] After the end of the first Gulf War in 1991 Pakistani army engineers were involved in a programme of mine clearance in the country. [200] Kuwait was also the first country to send aid to isolated mountain villages in Kashmir after the quake of 2005, [201] also offering the largest amount of aid in the aftermath of the quake ($100m). [202] |
Qatar | 15 December 1971 | See Kuwait–Qatar relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1971. [67]
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Saudi Arabia | 5 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 October 1961. [7] Although Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have good relations and cooperate within OPEC and the GCC, Riyadh disputes Kuwait's ownership of the Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands. [203] |
South Korea | 11 June 1979 | The Republic of Korea and Kuwait have had diplomatic relations since 11 June 1979. [204] On 2 March 2015, foreign minister Yun Byung-se and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah signed a bilateral Agreement on the mutual waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports in the presence of the heads of state of the Republic of Korea and Kuwait. [205] |
Syria | 24 October 1963 | See Kuwait–Syria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1963 [206] Kuwait–Syria relations became somewhat strained due to the Syrian Civil War after Kuwait closed its embassies along with the rest of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. Bilaterial relations have since come to focus on humanitarian efforts for Syria instead. For example, Kuwait has hosted three international pledging conferences in 2013, 2014 and 2015, raising 1.5bn, [207] 2.4bn [208] and 3.8bn [209] respectively. Relations between the two countries have since normalized. In 2016, Kuwait co-hosted the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference in London along with the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Germany and Norway. [210] The conference resulted in a record $10 billion pledge. [210] |
Turkey | 10 January 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1964 [28] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey describes the current relations at "outstanding levels". [211] Bilateral trade between the two countries is worth around $275 million. The two countries have recently signed fifteen agreements for cooperation in tourism, health, environment, economy, commercial exchange and oil. [212] |
United Arab Emirates | 8 March 1972 | See Kuwait–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1972 [71] |
Vietnam | 10 January 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1976 [213] Kuwait was the first country in the GCC that Vietnam chose to establish its trade representative office in 1993, and embassy in 2003. The former Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2009 visited each other's countries. [214] |
Yemen | As a member of the UN Security Council in 1990 and 1991, Yemen abstained on a number of resolutions concerning the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and voted against the "use of force resolution." Kuwait responded by cancelling aid programs, cutting diplomatic contact, and expelling thousands of Yemeni workers. [215] |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Albania | 8 August 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 August 1968 [55] Albania and Kuwait are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The restoration of Skanderbeg Square in Albanian capital Tirana is funded by a grant from the State of Kuwait.
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Austria |
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Belgium |
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Cyprus | 3 May 2005 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 2005 [216] Cyprus and Kuwait can be described as excellent with various exchange visits between the two countries.
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Czech Republic |
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Denmark | 25 April 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1964. [217] On 6 November 2006, the Kuwaiti parliament voted 22–15 to approve severing diplomatic ties with Denmark over the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and spending about US$50 (€39.20) million to defend Muhammad's image in the West. Both votes were nonbinding, meaning the Cabinet does not have to abide by them. Kuwaiti lawmaker Abdulsamad voted in favor of cutting diplomatic ties, saying, "We have to cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Denmark...We don't have to eat Danish cheese." [218] Al-Rashid voted against cutting diplomatic ties, arguing that Muslims have to be positive and remember that it were some individuals, not governments, who insulted Muhammad. Al-Rashid was quoted as saying, "We here in Kuwait curse Christians in many of our mosques, should those (Christian) countries boycott Kuwait?" [218] |
France |
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Germany | 20 May 1964 [219] | See Germany–Kuwait relations
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Greece | 3 January 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 January 1965 [220] Greece was one of the 34 member countries in the coalition which assisted in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq in 1991 during the Gulf War. Greece also participated in the UNICOM mission to patrol the demilitarized zone along the Kuwait-Iraq border. [221]
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Holy See | 21 October 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 October 1968 [222]
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Italy |
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Kosovo | 16 January 2013 |
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Netherlands |
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Poland | 13 May 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 May 1963 [225]
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Romania |
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Spain | 17 April 1964 | See Kuwait–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 April 1964 [226]
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Sweden | 22 December 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 December 1964 when Sweden opens its embassy in Kuwait. [40] |
United Kingdom | See Foreign relations of the United Kingdom Kuwait established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 8 November 1961. [8]
The UK governed Kuwait from 1899 to 1961, when it achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have signed an Investment Agreement. [228] The UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Kuwait is a member, are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. |
President François Bozizé has said that one of his priorities is to get the support of the international community. This has indeed been visible in his relations to donor countries and international organisations. At the same time it is difficult to have an open policy towards neighbouring countries when they are used as safe haven by rebels regularly attacking Central African Republic (C.A.R.), or when one allied country is in war with another.
The Foreign relations of Egypt are the Egyptian government's external relations with the outside world. Egypt's foreign policy operates along a non-aligned level. Factors such as population size, historical events, military strength, diplomatic expertise and a strategic geographical position give Egypt extensive political influence in the Africa, the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and within the Non-Aligned Movement as a whole. Cairo has been a crossroads of the Mediterranean's, Africa's and Asia's commerce and culture for millennia, and its intellectual and religious institutions are at the center of the region's social and cultural landmarks.
Honduras is a member of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), the Central American Integration System (SICA), and the Central American Security Commission (CASQ). During 1995–96, Honduras, a founding member of the United Nations, for the first time served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Honduras is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military.
Since 1980, the foreign relations of Iraq have been influenced by a number of controversial decisions by the Saddam Hussein administration. Hussein had good relations with the Soviet Union and a number of western countries such as France and Germany, who provided him with advanced weapons systems. He also developed a tenuous relation with the United States, who supported him during the Iran–Iraq War. However, the Invasion of Kuwait that triggered the Gulf War brutally changed Iraq's relations with the Arab World and the West. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria and others were among the countries that supported Kuwait in the UN coalition. After the Hussein administration was toppled by the 2003 U.S. invasion, the governments that succeeded it have now tried to establish relations with various nations.
The foreign relations of Jordan have been consistently a pro-Western foreign policy.
Malaysia is an active member of various international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It has also in recent times been an active proponent of regional co-operation.
While alliances dating back to the Mozambican War of Independence remain relevant, Mozambique's foreign policy has become increasingly pragmatic. The twin pillars of the policy are maintenance of good relations with its neighbors and maintenance and expansion of ties to development partners.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan emerged as an independent country through the partition of India in August 1947 and was admitted as a United Nations member state in September 1947. It is currently the second-largest country within the Muslim world in terms of population, and is also the only Muslim-majority country in possession of nuclear weapons. De facto, the country shares direct land borders with India, Iran, Afghanistan, and China.
For the two decades preceding the Republic of the Congo's 1991 National Conference, the country was firmly in the socialist camp, allied principally with the Soviet Union and other Eastern bloc nations. Educational, economic, and foreign aid links between Congo and its Eastern bloc allies were extensive, with the Congolese military and security forces receiving significant Soviet, East German, and Cuban assistance.
Foreign relations of Saudi Arabia are the diplomatic and trade relations between Saudi Arabia and other countries around the world. The foreign policy of Saudi Arabia is focused on co-operation with the oil-exporting Gulf States, the unity of the Arab World, Islamic solidarity, and support for the United Nations. In practice, the main concerns in recent years have been relations with the US, the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Iraq, the perceived threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the effect of oil pricing. Saudi Arabia contributes large amounts of development aid to Muslim countries. From 1986 to 2006, the country donated £49 billion in aid.
The foreign relations of Sudan are generally in line with the Muslim Arab world, but are also based on Sudan's economic ties with the People's Republic of China and Russia.
Ensuring national security, increasing influence among its Arab neighbours and securing the return of the Golan Heights, have been the primary goals of the Syrian Arab Republic's foreign policy. At many points in its history, Syria has seen tension with its neighbours, such as Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Syria enjoyed an improvement in relations with several of the states in its region in the 21st century, prior to the Arab Spring and the Syrian civil war. Until 2018, due to the Syrian civil war, the Syrian Arab Republic's government was partially isolated from the countries in the region and the wider international community.
Former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has maintained Tunisia's long-time policy of seeking good relations with the West, while playing an active role in Arab and African regional bodies. President Habib Bourguiba took a nonaligned stance but emphasized close relations with Europe, Pakistan, and the United States.
The diplomatic foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates are conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The foreign relations of Yemen are the relationships and policies that Yemen maintains with other countries. It is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Yemen participates in the nonaligned movement. The Republic of Yemen accepted responsibility for all treaties and debts of its predecessors, the YAR and the PDRY. Additionally, Yemen acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has stressed the need to render the Middle East region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
Zimbabwe maintains relations with various countries around the world, and maintains close diplomatic relations with neighboring nations.
Geography is an important factor in informing Iran's foreign policy. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the newly formed Islamic Republic, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, dramatically reversed the pro-American foreign policy of the last Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Since the country's policies then oscillated between the two opposing tendencies of revolutionary ardour to eliminate non-Muslim Western influences while promoting the Islamic revolution abroad, and pragmatism, which would advance economic development and normalization of relations, bilateral dealings can be confused and contradictory.
Belgium is a country in Europe and member of major international organizations like the European Union and NATO which are both headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
The 1955 Austrian State Treaty ended the four-power occupation and recognized Austria as an independent and sovereign state. In October 1955, the Federal Assembly passed a constitutional law in which "Austria declares of her own free will her perpetual neutrality." The second section of this law stated that "in all future times Austria will not join any military alliances and will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases on her territory." Since then, Austria has shaped its foreign policy on the basis of neutrality.
Foreign relations of Djibouti are managed by the Djiboutian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Djibouti maintains close ties with the governments of Somalia, Ethiopia, France and the United States. It is likewise an active participant in African Union, United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League affairs.
Koweit et la Gambie ont décidé d'établir des relations diplomatiques au rang d'ambassadeurs
Botswana: Diplomatic Relations With Kuwait Established